The first talk in Wichita State’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series will feature Dinorah Azpuru. A professor of political science, Azpuru researches issues related to democracy. Her talk, “Democracy in the world in times of COVID-19,” will explore how the pandemic has affected democratic societies globally.

Dr. Dinorah Azpuru

Beyond the effects on health, the COVID-19 pandemic has had huge effects on the economy, but also on politics in countries around the world. More specifically, in certain countries, it has impacted democracy in a negative way. This presentation will examine the overall impact of the pandemic on countries with democratic regimes, with emphasis on the democratic backsliding that has occurred in some of them. It will also look at the tightening of authoritarianism and human rights violations in countries that were already authoritarian when the pandemic began. Quantitative indicators that show the impact of the pandemic will be also discussed.

Azpuru, the presenter, teaches courses on comparative politics. She researches issues related to democracy in general, with emphasis on Latin America. Through the analysis of survey data, she studies public opinion about democracy, democratic values and behavior, such as voting behavior. Azpuru earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in teaching and research from University Rafael Landivar, Guatemala. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania.

Her lecture will be delivered via Zoom at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26. For more information about the “Perspectives on the Pandemics: Part II” series and how to join by Zoom, please visit: https://www.wichita.edu/Pan2

Contact: Dinorah Azpuru, professor of political science, (316) 978- 978-7134; dinorah.azpuru@wichita.edu; Andrew Hippisley, dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, (316) 978-6659; andrew.hippisley@wichita.edu.